A NEW KIND OF

FILM STUDIO

Story First Studio blends human-centered storytelling with state-of-the-art filmmaking.

STORIES ARE HUMAN

At Story First Studio, we believe that every truly timeless film stands on the foundation of a strong narrative. Technology changes. Formats evolve. But a compelling, human-centric story never goes out of style. While some films might become short-term hits through spectacle and marketing, we believe the ones that endure—the classics—do so because they connect deeply with audiences through story.

HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT

We’re building a story-first studio powered by a small, elite team of passionate craftspeople. By fusing timeless storytelling fundamentals with modern tools, we can create films that matter— staying nimble, independent, and true to our mission of making classics, not just hits.

- Weekly Story Workshops led by our Chief Storyteller.
- “Yes Sessions” that foster creativity before criticism.
- Every project built on a solid armature—the key principle or theme that guides the narrative.
- The “Golden Theme” (“We Are All the Same")
- A core team of 10–12 exceptional storytellers.
- No bloated hierarchy or departmental silos.
- Everyone shares a deep understanding of story structure, theme, and emotional resonance.
- Modest budgets reduce financial pressures and open the door to bolder, risk-taking storytelling.
- Freedom to explore stories that major studios avoid, such as serious drama in animation or unconventional genre blends.
- Earlier profitability allows for reinvestment in future projects and continual innovation.
- Embrace AI for labor-intensive tasks, allowing human creatives to focus on narrative depth and emotional resonance.
- Shorter production cycles mean more bandwidth for honing character and theme.
- Blockchain ensures transparent profit sharing, with smart contracts paying out automatically to contributors.
- No “Hollywood accounting” shrouded in mystery.
- Everyone from animators to writers shares in the success of each film.
- A system that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
- Veteran storytellers mentor newcomers, building a culture of continual learning and skill transfer.
- An openness to fresh voices keeps our storytelling vibrant and innovative, grounded in strong fundamentals.

LEADERSHIP

& EXPERTISE

BRIAN MCDONALD

Brian Mcdonald is an Award-Winning Filmmaker, graphic novelist, and former Chief Storyteller at Belief Agency. He is the author of Invisible Ink, which is required reading at Pixar and Land of the Dead, two highly regarded works on storytelling. As well as the graphic novel Old Souls. Brian is a renowned story expert with decades of experience consulting for Pixar, Disney Feature Animation, Lucasfilm, Sony, Cirque du Soleil, and more.

“Stories aren’t optional.

We need them like food, shelter, and human connection.
They teach us how to survive—and how to stay human doing it.

That’s the kind of storytelling we do at Story First.”

Brian Mcdonald

BRIAN "BKO" KALIN O'CONNELL

Brian “BKO” Kalin O’Connell is a former story artist at Pixar and director at Lucasfilm Animation. He was Emmy–Nominated as a Director on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Brian served as a conceptual, character, and creature artist at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) for over a decade, working on franchises such as Jurrasic Park and Star Wars.

“Drawing was my first language. Stories became my first home. It was there I found myself—and saw others, too.

I believe stories can heal. They can guide us forward.

This studio is a hearth for that belief: a place where story isn’t just entertainment or decoration—it’s foundation.

And like any true language or home, story is meant to be shared… to remind us we’re not alone.”

BKO

“Brian McDonald has found yet another fresh and objective way to analyze how great stories function… If I manage to reach the summit of my next story it will be in no small part due to having read Invisible Ink.”

ANDREW STANTON, Director of Wall-E & Finding Nemo

“BKO is a remarkable artist I have known and worked with over the last 30 years in different roles at Industrial Light + Magic, Lucasfilm, and Pixar Animation Studios. Over that time, BKO has proven to be a highly accomplished and versatile creative, successfully serving in a multitude of story and directorial roles.”

JIM MORRIS, President Pixar Animation Studios

TRUSTED BY

Story First

Podcast

Listen to the Latest Podcast Episode

INVISIBLE INK

Learn the art of storytelling from our Chief Storyteller, Brian McDonald.

Order the book